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A taxonomic description on three new records of genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Sub-Himalayan foothills of West Bengal

Abstract :

The study describes three new records of species of genus Culicoides from Alipurduar, Cooch Behar
and Jalpaiguri districts located in the Sub Himalayan Terai zone of West
Bengal. They are small in size, popularly known as ‘biting midges’ mostly found
in moist tropical regions of the world. Culicoides
midges are vectors of harmful microorganisms feeding on blood of livestock
animals and spreading diseases. Very few instances of cattle diseases are
reported from West Bengal, that too from the southern region of the State.
Animal rearing and dairy farming are important sources of livelihood for
villagers at high altitude. This manuscript is a brief taxonomic account of Culicoides midges from the Terai region
of West Bengal abetting in species documentation and identification. This study
is of value in helping to recognize disease occurrence vectored by biting
midges, spread awareness and develop safety measures on cattle management in
various high altitude regions of West Bengal and India